The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department confirmed on Thursday that the tragic sailboat crash off Miami Beach on Monday resulted in the accidental drowning of two young girls, 7-year-old Mila Yankelevich and 13-year-old Erin Ko Han.
The incident involved five campers and a camp counselor aboard the sailboat when it was struck by a barge in Biscayne Bay, located between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island.
Authorities reported that the sailboat was dragged under the barge, which was equipped with a crane and pilings for a dock.
The U.S. Coast Guard announced that the barge was engaged in construction work in the Miami Beach area prior to the collision.
Among the survivors, two girls aged 8 and 10 were injured and remain at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Multiple sources have identified one of the injured as Ari Buchman, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Additionally, a 12-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman were evaluated after the crash but were not transported to a hospital.
The children were attending a summer sailing camp organized by the Miami Yacht Club, in collaboration with the Miami Youth Sailing Foundation.
Erin Ko Han, who had recently moved from Chile to the United States earlier this year, is being remembered fondly by her former school, Colegio San Pedro Nolasco Vitacura, in Santiago.
In a heartfelt tribute, elementary school director Francisca Aburto said, “Erin left a mark that’s indelible. It’s indelible. So that’s very important for us to pass that on. While she was here, she was a light for us, for our school.”
Paula Escobar, Erin’s former homeroom teacher, expressed her grief by stating, “She was a beautiful, happy, healthy girl who had her whole life ahead of her.”
Mila Yankelevich, the youngest daughter of prominent television producer Tomas Yankelevich and actress Sofia Reca, also made headlines due to her family’s significance in Argentine media.
Her grandparents, Cris Morena and Gustavo Yankelevich, traveled to Miami to support their family during this heartbreaking time.
Marcelo Tinelli, a close family friend and well-known Argentine television host, shared his devastation on social media, expressing, “I can’t believe it. My immense love to the entire family, who are part of my life.”
Mila was remembered as a joyful child who cherished dancing, singing, and dressing in costumes, leading to an outpouring of love and memories from those who knew her.
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently spearheading the investigation into the collision and has promised a thorough inquiry into the incident.
Coast Guard Miami Sector Commander Frank Florio stated, “Know that we grieve with you. We will not take this lightly and we will not forget. We owe you answers and we are committed to finding them.”
Officials confirmed that all children aboard the sailboat were wearing life jackets at the time of the collision. Florio also indicated that the captain of the tugboat piloting the barge had been interviewed, and alcohol testing along with chemical testing had been conducted with results pending.
In a bid to gather more information, the Coast Guard has appealed to the public for any details related to the crash, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering what transpired during the tragic event.
image source from：cbsnews
